Snapshot format conversion method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A system according to this invention converts a full-copy snapshot into a differential snapshot. The system is composed of a storage subsystem and a server subsystem. The storage subsystem comprises a disk drive and a disk controller. The server subsystem comprises an interface, a processor, and a memory. The disk controller provides storage areas of the disk drive as logical volumes, and stores a differential block bitmap. The processor obtains the differential block bitmap, and identifies a block from the differential block bitmap. The processor obtains, from a full-copy snapshot volume, differential data that is stored in the identified block. The processor stores the obtained differential data in a differential volume. The processor stores, in differential block arrangement information, the location of the differential data stored in the differential volume.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/361,366 filed Feb. 24, 2006. Priority is claimed based upon U.S. application Ser. No. 11/361,366 filed Feb. 24, 2006, which claims the priority date of Japanese Application No. 2006-000901 filed on Jan. 5, 2006, and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a system including a storage subsystem and a server subsystem, and more specifically to a snapshot management technique.

SAN-NAS integrated storage systems which high-performance SAN and easy-to-manage NAS are lately becoming popular.

SAN-NAS integrated storage systems have a snapshot function in order to protect data stored in a primary volume. Using the snapshot function, a SAN-NAS integrated storage system takes a snapshot which is a still image of a primary volume at a specific point in time. Known snapshot technologies include full-copy snapshot and differential snapshot.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,497 discloses a technique related to full-copy snapshot. A SAN-NAS integrated storage system creates a mirror volume synchronized with a primary volume. The SAN-NAS integrated storage system creates a full-copy snapshot by performing splitting processing in which the created mirror volume is split physically.

A drawback of full-copy snapshot is large consumption of disk resource, which means that fewer generations are provided. An advantage of full-copy snapshot is very high access performance owing to physical separation from primary volumes. Full-copy snapshot is therefore used as snapshot of which high access performance is demanded, for example, as snapshot for online backup.

US 2004/01896900 discloses a technique related to differential snapshot. A SAN-NAS integrated storage system stores only differential data which is the difference between a differential snapshot and a primary volume. The SAN-NAS integrated storage system combines the stored differential data with the primary volume, to thereby provide a virtual differential snapshot.

Created by combining differential data with a primary volume, differential snapshot does not have as high access performance as full-copy snapshot. On the other hand, differential snapshot uses a small amount of disk resource and therefore can provide more generations than full-copy snapshot. For instance, differential snapshot is employed as snapshot for regular backup of a shared file server.

The full-copy snapshot and differential snapshot functions enable SAN-NAS integrated storage systems to provide snapshots suited to access performance requirements and disk resource usage requirements.

JP 2005-267569 A discloses a storage system that utilizes a snapshot function in remote copy. This storage system copies differential data from a primary volume to a copy volume while referring to a bitmap.

SUMMARY

In general, access performance requirements for a snapshot are eased with time, while disk resource usage requirements for a snapshot become stricter with time.

When a full-copy snapshot is converted into a differential snapshot after a certain period of time passes, SAN-NAS integrated storage systems can fulfill access performance requirements and disk resource usage requirements for a snapshot. However, conventional storage systems are not capable of converting a full-copy snapshot into a differential snapshot.

This invention has been made in view of the problem described above, and it is therefore an object of this invention to provide an integrated storage system capable of converting a full-copy snapshot into a differential snapshot.

According to an exemplary embodiment of this invention, there is provided a system connected to a client computer via a network, including: a storage subsystem; and a server subsystem connected to the storage subsystem via a communication line, in which: the storage subsystem comprises a disk drive for storing data, and a disk controller for controlling input and output of data to and from the disk drive; the server subsystem comprises an interface connected to the storage subsystem, a processor connected to the interface, and a memory connected to the processor; the disk controller provides storages area of the disk drive as a plurality of logical volumes including a primary volume for storing data requested by the client computer to be written, a differential volume for storing differential data as a difference between the primary volume and a differential snapshot of the primary volume, and a full-copy snapshot volume for storing all data in the primary volume at the time a full-copy snapshot is taken; the disk controller stores a differential block bitmap indicating a block in which data stored in the primary volume differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume; and the processor obtains the differential block bitmap from the disk controller, identifies, from the obtained differential block bitmap, a block where data stored in the primary volume differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume, obtains, from the full-copy snapshot volume, differential data that is stored in the identified block, stores the obtained differential data in the differential volume, stores, in differential block arrangement information, a location of the differential data that is stored in the differential volume, and provides a differential snapshot that corresponds to the full-copy snapshot based on the primary volume, the differential volume, and the differential block arrangement information.

According to the exemplary embodiment of this invention, an integrated storage system can convert a full-copy snapshot into a differential snapshot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be appreciated by the description which follows in conjunction with the following figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information system according to an embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram about functions of a NAS integrated system according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a differential snapshot virtual volume, which is managed by a NAS server subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a differential snapshot management program in the NAS server subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a differential block management table according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of processing of the differential snapshot management program according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a mirror management program in a storage subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a differential block bitmap of the storage subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a snapshot format conversion program in the NAS server subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a format conversion process counter in the NAS server subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of a snapshot format conversion management table in the NAS server subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a differential block copy bitmap of the NAS server subsystem according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for processing of a full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for processing of a full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for processing of a differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for processing of a differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram according to the embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for processing of a read processing subprogram according to the embodiment of this invention; and

FIG. 18 is a flow chart for processing of a volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram according to the embodiment of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of this invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information system according to the embodiment of this invention.

The information system comprises a NAS client 101, a NAS management terminal 102, a NAS integrated system 104, and a storage management terminal 105.

The NAS integrated system 104 is connected to the NAS client 101 and the NAS management terminal 102 via a network 103. The network 103 is, for example, a LAN, the Internet, or a WAN.

The NAS integrated system 104 comprises a NAS server subsystem 110 and a storage subsystem 120. The NAS integrated system 104 provides NAS services to the NAS client 101.

The NAS services include a file sharing service, a snapshot service, and a snapshot format conversion service. The file sharing service and the snapshot service, which are of known technologies, will not be described in detail. The snapshot format conversion service is a service that is implemented for the first time by this embodiment.

The NAS server subsystem 110 and the storage subsystem 120 are connected to each other by an internal network 130. The internal network 130 may be a dedicated bus incorporated in the NAS integrated system 104, or may be a general-purpose network such as a SAN or a LAN.

The NAS server subsystem 110 may be connected to a plurality of storage subsystems 120 via the internal network 130. The storage system 120 may be connected to a plurality of NAS server subsystems 110 via the internal network 130.

The NAS server subsystem 110 has a CPU 11, a memory 12, a data transfer controller 13, a network interface 14, and a storage interface 15.

The CPU 11 performs various types of processing by executing programs stored in the memory 12. The memory 12 stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and information. Details of the programs and information stored in the memory 12 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The memory 12 may contain a data cache (not shown).

The data transfer controller 13 transfers data among the CPU 11, the network interface 14, and the storage interface 15. The data transfer controller 13, instead of the memory 12, may be provided with a data cache.

The network interface 14 is an interface connected to the network 103. The storage interface 15 is an interface connected to the storage subsystem 120 via the internal network 130.

The storage subsystem 120 has a disk controller (DKC) 125 and a plurality of disk drives.

The disk controller 125 has a CPU, a memory, and an interface to read and write data in the disk drives. The disk controller 125 provides storage areas of the disk drives to the NAS client 101 on a logical volume basis.

Each logical volume is set as a primary volume 141, a differential volume 142, or a full-copy snapshot volume 151. The storage subsystem 120, which, in FIG. 1, has one primary volume 141, one differential volume 142, and one full-copy snapshot volume 151, may have more than one volume for each of the three different volume types.

The primary volume 141 stores data that is requested by the NAS client 101 to be written.

The differential volume 142 stores differential data which is the difference between a differential snapshot managed by the NAS server subsystem 110 and the primary volume 141. The differential volume 142 contains a differential block management table 203.

The full-copy snapshot volume 151 is a copy of the primary volume 141 at some point in time. The disk controller 125 creates the full-copy snapshot volume 151 by executing a mirror management program, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

The NAS management terminal 102 is a computer having a CPU, a memory, and an interface. The NAS management terminal 102 gives instructions to the NAS integrated system 104 to control the NAS integrated system 104.

The storage management terminal 105 is a computer having a CPU, a memory, and an interface. The storage management terminal 105 controls the storage subsystem 120.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram about functions of the NAS integrated system 104 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The NAS integrated system 104 has the NAS server subsystem 110 and the storage subsystem 120.

The memory 12 of the NAS server subsystem 110 stores a NAS server program 111, a file system processing program 112, a differential snapshot management program 113, a storage subsystem control program 114, a snapshot format conversion program 115, and snapshot format conversion management information 116. Alternatively, the NAS server program 111, the file system processing program 112, the differential snapshot management program 113, the storage subsystem control program 114, the snapshot format conversion program 115, and the snapshot format conversion management information 116 may be stored in the memory of the disk controller 125 to be executed by the CPU of the disk controller 125.

The NAS server program 111 receives, from the NAS client 101, a request to access a file. The NAS server program 111 sends the received access request to the file system processing program 112. Then the NAS server program 111 receives a result of processing the access request from the file system processing program 112. The NAS server program 111 sends the received processing result to the NAS client 101, which is the sender of the access request.

The file system processing program 112 creates a read request or a write request in accordance with an access request that is received from the NAS server program 111. A read request created by the file system processing program 112 contains the identifier of a volume storing a file or a directory from which requested data is read, the address of a block from which the requested data is read (data block), the size of the data to be read, and the like. Similarly, a write request created by the file system processing program 112 contains the identifier of a volume storing a file or a directory in which requested data is written, the address of a block in which the requested data is written (data block), the size of the data to be written, and the like.

The file system processing program 112 sends the created read request or a write request to the differential snapshot management program 113.

The differential snapshot management program 113 manages a differential snapshot virtual volume, which will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

The differential snapshot management program 113 receives a read request or a write request from the file system processing program 112. The differential snapshot management program 113 performs processing corresponding to the received read request or write request. Details of the differential snapshot management program 113 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

The storage subsystem control program 114 controls a mirror management program 121 of the storage subsystem 120. Specifically, the storage subsystem control program 114 issues a mirroring request or a splitting request to the mirror management program 121 of the storage subsystem 120. This makes the NAS server subsystem 110 and the storage subsystem 120 operate in conjunction with each other, thus enabling the subsystems to work as one integrated NAS system 104.

The snapshot format conversion program 115 performs full-copy snapshot format conversion processing and differential snapshot format conversion processing. Details of the snapshot format conversion program 115 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion processing is processing to convert a full-copy snapshot into a differential snapshot. The differential snapshot format conversion processing is processing to convert a differential snapshot into a full-copy snapshot.

Full-copy snapshot, which, in this embodiment, is managed by the storage subsystem 120, may be managed by the NAS server subsystem 110. Differential snapshot, which, in this embodiment, is managed by the NAS server subsystem 110, may be managed by the storage subsystem 120.

The snapshot format conversion management information 116 is used by the snapshot format conversion program 115. The snapshot format conversion management information 116 contains a format conversion process counter 216, a snapshot format conversion management table 217, and a differential block copy bitmap 218.

The format conversion process counter 216 indicates, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, the count of format conversion processing currently being executed by the snapshot format conversion program 115. Format conversion processing executed by the snapshot format conversion program 115 is full-copy snapshot format conversion processing or differential snapshot format conversion processing.

The snapshot format conversion management table 217 is used, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 11, to manage format conversion processing currently being executed by the snapshot format conversion program 115. The differential block copy bitmap 218 is, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, a copy of a differential block bitmap 122 of the storage subsystem 120.

The memory of the disk controller 125 in the storage subsystem 120 stores the mirror management program 121 and the differential block bitmap 122. Alternatively, the mirror management program 121 and the differential block bitmap 122 may be stored in the memory 12 of the NAS server subsystem 110 to be executed by the CPU 11 of the NAS server subsystem 110.

The mirror management program 121 creates the full-copy snapshot volume 151. Specifically, the mirror management program 121 creates a mirror volume that is synchronized with the primary volume 141. The mirror management program 121 then performs splitting processing in which the created mirror volume is split physically, thereby creating the full-copy snapshot volume 151.

The differential block bitmap 122 indicates, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, the address of a block where data stored in the primary volume 141 differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume 151.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152, which is managed by the NAS server subsystem 110 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential snapshot management program 113 of the NAS server subsystem 110 manages the differential volume 142 along with the primary volume 141. The primary volume 141 stores a file system that is in operation. The differential volume 142 stores differential data necessary for differential snapshot.

The differential snapshot management program 113 regularly creates the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 by updating the differential block management table 203, which is stored in the differential volume 142. For instance, the differential snapshot management program 113 creates the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 once a week. The differential snapshot virtual volume 152 is a virtual volume, and a copy of the primary volume 141 at some point in the past.

The differential block management table 203 is used, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 5, to manage data arrangement in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

The differential snapshot management program 113 combines data in the primary volume 141 and data in the differential volume 142 while referring to the differential block management table 203. Specifically, the differential snapshot management program 113 reads, out of the primary volume 141 and the differential volume 142, data in a block that is specified by the differential block management table 203. The differential snapshot management program 113 thus reads data of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the differential snapshot management program 113 in the NAS server subsystem 110 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential snapshot management program 113 contains a write processing subprogram 1131, a read processing subprogram 1132, a differential snapshot creating subprogram 1133, and a differential snapshot deleting subprogram 1134.

The write processing subprogram 1131 receives a write request from the file system processing program 112. Upon reception of the request, the write processing subprogram 1131 evacuates data in the primary volume 141 of the storage subsystem 120 to the differential volume 142 of the storage subsystem 120. Then the write processing subprogram 1131 writes data requested to be written in the primary volume 141 of the storage subsystem 120. Details of processing performed by the write processing subprogram 1131 will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

The read processing subprogram 1132 receives a read request from the file system processing program 112. Upon reception of the request, the read processing subprogram 1132 reads data out of a logical volume of the storage subsystem 120. Details of processing performed by the read processing subprogram 1132 will be described with reference to FIG. 17.

The differential snapshot creating subprogram 1133 receives a differential snapshot creating request from the NAS management terminal 102. Upon reception of the request, the differential snapshot creating subprogram 1133 updates the differential block management table 203 stored in the differential volume 142. The differential snapshot creating subprogram 1133 thus creates the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

The differential snapshot deleting subprogram 1134 receives a differential snapshot deleting request from the NAS management terminal 102. Upon reception of the request, the differential snapshot deleting subprogram 1134 updates the differential block management table 203 stored in the differential volume 142. The differential snapshot deleting subprogram 1134 thus deletes the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the differential block management table 203 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential block management table 203 stores a data state 2033 of a block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152. Specifically, the differential block management table 203 stores the data state 2033 of a block that is associated with a VVOL number 2031 and a block address 2032.

The VVOL number 2031 indicates a snapshot generation identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152. The block address 2032 indicates a unique identifier given to each block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

The data state 2033 indicates a location where data of a block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is specified by the block address 2032 is actually located. Specifically, in the case where data of a block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 is stored in the primary volume 141, “0” is stored as the data state 2033. On the other hand, in the case where data of a block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 is stored in a block of the differential volume 142, the address of this block is stored as the data state 2033.

The differential block management table 203 also contains a primary volume ID 2035, a differential volume ID 2036, and a use flag 2037.

The primary volume ID 2035 indicates the identifier of the primary volume 141 where data of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is specified by the VVOL number 2031 is actually stored. The differential volume ID 2036 indicates the identifier of the differential volume 142 where data of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is specified by the VVOL number 2031 is actually stored.

The use flag 2037 indicates whether information stored in a record entry in question is valid or not. In other words, the use flag 2037 indicates whether the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 about which the record entry in question is made is valid or not.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of processing of the differential snapshot management program 113 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The write processing subprogram 1131 of the differential snapshot management program 113 receives a write request from the file system processing program 112. Upon reception of the request, the write processing subprogram 1131 evacuates existing data of a block in which requested data is to be written from the primary volume 141 to the differential volume 142 through copy-on-write processing. Then the write processing subprogram 1131 writes the data requested to be written in the primary volume 141.

The differential snapshot management program 113 registers, in the differential block management table 203, the address of a block that stores the data evacuated to the differential volume 142. The differential snapshot management program 113 thus manages a differential snapshot as the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

The description given below is about a case in which the write processing subprogram 1131 is requested to write data B in a block “123” of the primary volume 141.

Upon reception of the request, the write processing subprogram 1131 allocates an evacuation block “456” in the differential volume 142 in order to evacuate data A stored in the block “123” of the primary volume 141. The write processing subprogram 1131 next writes the data A stored in the block “123” of the primary volume 141 in the block “456” of the differential volume 142. In this way, the write processing subprogram 1131 evacuates the data A stored in the block “123” of the primary volume 141.

The write processing subprogram 1131 next writes the data B, which is data requested to be written, in the block “123” of the primary volume 141. The write processing subprogram 1131 stores the address of the block “456” of the differential volume 142 as the data state 2033 in the differential block management table 203.

To give an example, a case in which the current snapshot generation of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 is “No. 3” will be described.

In this case, the write processing subprogram 1131 chooses a record entry of the differential block management table 203 that has, as the VVOL number 2031, “No. 3”, which is the current snapshot generation of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152. The write processing subprogram 1131 next picks up, from the chosen entry, the data state 2033 where the address of the block “123” of the primary volume 141 in which the data B is written matches the block address 2032 of the differential block management table 203. Then the write processing subprogram 1131 enters, as the picked up data state 2033, the address of the block “456” in the differential volume 142 to which the data A is evacuated.

Described next is processing performed by the read processing subprogram 1132 of the differential snapshot management program 113 to read the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 whose snapshot generation is “No. 3”.

The read processing subprogram 1132 consults the differential block management table 203 and reads data out of the primary volume 141 and the differential volume 142, to thereby read the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

Specifically, the read processing subprogram 1132 reads data of blocks “1 to 122” and “124 to #n” in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 out of the primary volume 141. The read processing subprogram 1132 also reads data of the block “123” of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 out of the block “456” of the differential volume 142.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the mirror management program 121 in the storage subsystem 120 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The mirror management program 121 is composed of a mirror creating/deleting subprogram 221, a splitting subprogram 222, a re-synchronizing subprogram 223, and a read/write subprogram 224.

The mirror creating/deleting subprogram 221 creates and deletes a mirror volume, which is a mirror of the primary volume 141. The splitting program 222 creates the full-copy snapshot volume 151 by physically cutting a mirror volume that is created by the mirror creating/deleting subprogram 221.

The re-synchronizing subprogram 223 makes data of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 reflected on the primary volume 141. The re-synchronizing subprogram 223 thus returns data in the primary volume 141 to what has been stored at the time the full-copy snapshot volume 151 in question is created.

The read/write subprogram 224 reads and writes data in the primary volume 141, the full-copy snapshot volume 151, and a mirror volume.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the differential block bitmap 122 of the storage subsystem 120 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential block bitmap 122 indicates the address of a block where data stored in the primary volume 141 differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume 151. Accordingly, the differential block bitmap 122 has a bit width equal to or larger than the count of blocks constituting the primary volume 141.

In the differential block bitmap 122 of this embodiment, “1” is given as the bit value of a block where data stored in the primary volume 141 differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume 151, while “0” is given as the bit value of a block where the primary volume 141 and the differential volume 142 store the same data.

The differential block bitmap 122 is created, updated, or deleted by the mirror creating/deleting subprogram 221.

The differential block bitmap 122 is consulted by the re-synchronizing subprogram 223. The re-synchronizing subprogram 223 consults the differential block bitmap 122 to choose from the full-copy snapshot volume 151 only a block that stores data different from one in the primary volume 141. The re-synchronizing subprogram 223 performs re-synchronizing processing by writing data of the chosen block in the primary volume 141.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the snapshot format conversion program 115 in the NAS server subsystem 110 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The snapshot format conversion program 115 contains a full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151, a full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152, a differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153, a differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154, and a volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 receives a request from the NAS management terminal 102 to execute full-copy snapshot format conversion processing. Upon reception of the request, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 activates the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152. The full-copy snapshot format conversion processing is processing to convert a full-copy snapshot into a differential snapshot. Details of processing performed by the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 will be described with reference to FIG. 13.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 executes the full-copy snapshot format conversion processing. Details of processing performed by the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 will be described with reference to FIG. 14.

The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 receives a request from the NAS management terminal 102 to execute differential snapshot format conversion processing. Upon reception of the request, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 activates the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154. The differential snapshot format conversion processing is processing to convert a differential snapshot into a full-copy snapshot. Details of processing performed by the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 will be described with reference to FIG. 15.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 executes the differential snapshot format conversion processing. Details of processing performed by the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 will be described with reference to FIG. 16.

The volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 is activated by the read processing subprogram 1132 when the read processing subprogram 1132 receives a read request while at least one of the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 and the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 is executed. The volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 chooses a logical volume out of which the read processing subprogram 1132 actually reads data.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the format conversion process counter 216 in the NAS server subsystem 110 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The format conversion process counter 216 counts how many snapshot format conversion executing subprograms are being executed. The term “snapshot format conversion executing subprograms” collectively refers to the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 and the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154. The format conversion process counter 216 in the explanatory diagram of FIG. 10 shows that three snapshot format conversion executing subprograms are operating simultaneously.

The format conversion process counter 216 is incremented at the start of execution of the snapshot format conversion executing subprograms. When the execution of the snapshot format conversion executing subprograms is ended, the format conversion process counter 216 is decremented.

The read processing subprogram 1132 consults the format conversion process counter 216 to judge whether to activate the volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of the snapshot format conversion management table 217 in the NAS server subsystem 110 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The snapshot format conversion management table 217 is used to manage full-copy snapshot format conversion processing, which is executed by the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152, and differential snapshot format conversion processing, which is executed by the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154. The snapshot format conversion management table 217 therefore contains a snapshot conversion process number 301, a conversion destination volume identifier 302, a conversion source volume identifier 303, and an undergoing-conversion block address 304.

The snapshot conversion process number 301 indicates an identifier unique to each of the snapshot format conversion executing subprograms. In the explanatory diagram of FIG. 11, “0”, “1”, and “2” entered in a column of the snapshot conversion process number 301 are identifiers given to the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152, while “3”, “4”, and “5” entered in the column of the snapshot conversion process number 301 are identifiers given to the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154.

The conversion destination volume identifier 302 indicates an identifier unique to a snapshot volume that is a format conversion destination. Specifically, in a record entry for the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152, the identifier of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is a format conversion destination is stored as the conversion destination volume identifier 302. In a record entry for the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154, on the other hand, the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is a format conversion destination is stored as the conversion destination volume identifier 302.

The conversion source volume identifier 303 indicates an identifier unique to a snapshot volume that is a format conversion source. Specifically, in a record entry for the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152, the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is a format conversion source is stored as the conversion source volume identifier 303. In a record entry for the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154, on the other hand, the identifier of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is a format conversion source is stored as the conversion source volume identifier 303.

The undergoing-conversion block address 304 indicates an identifier unique to a block whose data is undergoing format conversion by one of the snapshot format conversion executing subprograms.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the differential block copy bitmap 218 of the NAS server subsystem 110 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential block copy bitmap 218 is a copy of the differential block bitmap 122 of the storage subsystem 120 which is shown in FIG. 8. Accordingly, the differential block copy bitmap 218 indicates the address of a block where data stored in the primary volume 141 differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume 151. The differential block copy bitmap 218 therefore has a bit width equal to or larger than the count of blocks constituting the primary volume 141.

In the differential block copy bitmap 218 of this embodiment, “1” is given as the bit value of a block where data stored in the primary volume 141 differs from data stored in the differential volume 142, while “0” is given as the bit value of a block where the primary volume 141 and the full-copy snapshot volume 151 store the same data.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for processing of the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 receives a request from the NAS management terminal 102 to execute full-copy snapshot format conversion processing and starts this processing. The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 first judges whether the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the target of format conversion (conversion source) is normal or not (501). For instance, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 checks a logical volume state flag which shows whether a logical volume is normal or not to judge whether or not the full-copy snapshot volume 151 is normal. The logical volume state flag is stored in the memory 12 of the NAS server subsystem 110.

In the case where the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source is not normal, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 judges that full-copy snapshot format conversion processing is inexecutable, and terminates this processing.

In the case where the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source is normal, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 judges whether or not the identifier of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source is stored in the snapshot format conversion management table 217 as at least one of the conversion destination volume identifier 302 and the conversion source volume identifier 303 (502).

In the case where the identifier of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source is stored in the snapshot format conversion management table 217, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 judges that this full-copy snapshot volume 151 is receiving snapshot format conversion processing. Then, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 terminates this processing.

On the other hand, in the case where the identifier of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source is not stored in the snapshot format conversion management table 217, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 judges that full-copy snapshot format conversion processing is executable for this full-copy snapshot volume 151.

Then, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 allocates a storage area sized to the differential block bitmap 122 of the storage subsystem 120 in the memory 12 of the NAS server subsystem 110 (503).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 next obtains, from the storage subsystem 120, the differential block bitmap 122 related to the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source. The obtained differential block bitmap 122 is stored by the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 in the storage area that has been allocated in the memory 12 in Step 503 (504). The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 thus stores the differential block copy bitmap 218, which is a copy of the differential block bitmap 122, in the memory 12 of the NAS server subsystem 110.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 next identifies the primary volume 141 a copy of which is the conversion source full-copy snapshot volume 151. The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 judges whether or not there is the differential volume 142 that is associated with the identified primary volume 141 (505). Each primary volume 141 is associated with one differential volume 142 that stores differential data of that primary volume 141.

In the case where there is the differential volume 142 that is associated with the identified primary volume 141, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 proceeds to Step 507.

In the case where there is no differential volume 142 that is associated with the identified primary volume 141, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 creates a new differential volume 142. The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 associates the created differential volume 142 with the primary volume 141 that has been identified in Step 505 (506).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 next determines the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion destination.

Then the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 updates the snapshot format conversion management table 217.

Specifically, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 selects which full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 is to execute full-copy snapshot format conversion processing. For instance, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 chooses the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 that is not currently executing full-copy snapshot format conversion processing.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 next chooses, from the snapshot format conversion management table 217, a record entry whose snapshot conversion process number 301 matches the identifier of the chosen full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 enters the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion destination as the conversion destination volume identifier 302 in the chosen record entry. Then the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 enters the identifier of the conversion source full-copy snapshot volume 151 as the conversion source volume identifier 303 in the chosen record entry (507).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 now requests the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 to execute full-copy snapshot format conversion processing (508).

After that, the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 makes the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion destination accessible to the NAS client 101 and the NAS management terminal 102 (509). The full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 then ends this processing.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart for processing of the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 receives a request from the full-copy snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1151 to execute full-copy snapshot format conversion processing, and starts this processing.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 first increments the format conversion process counter 216 (521). When the value of the format conversion process counter 216 is 1 or larger, it means that at least one of the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 and the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 is being executed.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 next processes subsequent processing in the background (522). In other words, the NAS management terminal 102 receives a notification of completion of the full-copy snapshot format conversion processing immediately after sending a request to execute full-copy snapshot format conversion processing to the NAS integrated system 104.

Next, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 enters “0”, which is a default value, as the undergoing-conversion block address (I) 304 in the snapshot format conversion management table 217 (523).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 chooses, from the differential block management table 203, one of record entries where “0” is stored as the use flag 2037. Then the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 creates a snapshot generation of the VVOL number 2031 of the chosen record entry.

Specifically, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 extracts the I-th bit of the differential block copy bitmap 218. The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 judges whether the extracted I-th bit is “1” or not (524).

In the case where the I-th bit is “0”, data in a block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 matches data in a block I of the primary volume 141. “Block I” refers to a block that has a block address “I”. The block I has now been processed and the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 proceeds to Step 532.

On the other hand, in the case where the I-th bit is “1”, data in a block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 differs from data in a block I of the primary volume 141. The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 therefore needs to store data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 in the differential volume 142.

To fulfill this, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 reads data out of the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 then chooses, from the differential block management table 203, a record entry whose block address 2032 matches the block address of this block being processed, “I” (525).

From the chosen record entry, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 picks up every data state 2033 that is about a valid snapshot generation. Specifically, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 judges whether the data state 2033 in question is about a valid snapshot generation or not based on the use flag 2037 of the differential block management table 203.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 extracts all other values (block addresses) than “0” from the picked up data state 2033. The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 reads out of the differential volume 142 data of blocks at the extracted block addresses (526).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 judges whether or not the same data as the one read in Step 525 is included in the data read in Step 526 (527). The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 thus judges whether data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 has been stored in the differential volume 142 or not.

In the case where the same data is included, it means that data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 has been stored in the differential volume 142. Then, there is no need for the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 to store, in the differential volume 142, data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 therefore sets the block address of a block out of which the same data has been read in Step 526 as a conversion destination block address (528). Subsequently, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 moves to Step 531.

In the case where it is found in Step 527 that the same data is not included, it means that data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 has not been stored in the differential volume 142. The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 therefore needs to store, in the differential volume 142, data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151. To fulfill this, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 allocates a block in the differential volume 142 (529).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 stores the data read in Step 525 in the allocated block (530). The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 sets the block address of this block storing the read data as a conversion destination block address.

Next, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 picks up, from the record entry chosen in Step 525, the data state 2033 where the generation of a snapshot to be created matches the VVOL number 2031 of the differential block management table 203.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 enters the conversion destination block address as the picked up data state 2033 (531).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 next judges whether or not the block I is the last block in the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source (532).

When the block I is not the last block, it means that there are blocks in the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that have not finished being processed. The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 therefore increments I by one (533). Then the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 returns to Step 524 to repeat processing of a block I.

When the block I is the last block, on the other hand, it means that the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 has finished processing for every block in the full-copy snapshot volume 151. In this case, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 chooses from the snapshot format conversion management table 217 a record entry whose snapshot conversion process number 301 matches the identifier of this full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152. From the chosen record entry, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 deletes information corresponding to the conversion destination volume identifier 302, the conversion source volume identifier 303, and the conversion-undergoing block address 304.

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 thus deletes information related to itself from the snapshot format conversion management table 217 (534).

The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 next deletes the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source (535). Instead of immediately deleting the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion source, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 may delete the full-copy snapshot volume 151 when the storage subsystem 120 becomes short of storage area.

Next, the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 deletes the differential block copy bitmap 218 from the memory 12 (536). The full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 then decrements the format conversion process counter 216 (537), and ends this processing.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for processing of the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 receives a request from the NAS management terminal 102 to execute differential snapshot format conversion processing and starts this processing. The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 first judges whether the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the target of format conversion (conversion source) is normal or not (541).

In the case where the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source is not normal, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 judges that differential snapshot format conversion processing is inexecutable, and terminates this processing.

In the case where the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source is normal, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 judges whether or not the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source is stored in the snapshot format conversion management table 217 as at least one of the conversion destination volume identifier 302 and the conversion source volume identifier 303 (542).

In the case where the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source has been stored, it means that this differential snapshot virtual volume 152 is receiving snapshot format conversion processing. Therefore, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 terminates this processing.

In the case where the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source has not been stored, on the other hand, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 requests the storage subsystem 120 to create a full-copy snapshot of the primary volume 141 and a full-copy snapshot of the differential volume 142 (543).

Upon request, the storage subsystem 120 creates the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the primary volume 141 and the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the differential volume 142. Those full-copy snapshot volumes 151 are set to be inaccessible to the NAS client 101 and the NAS management terminal 102.

The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 associates the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the primary volume 141 with the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the differential volume 142 (544). The full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the primary volume 141 corresponds to a conversion destination snapshot.

Next, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 updates the snapshot format conversion management table 217.

Specifically, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 selects which differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 is to execute differential snapshot format conversion processing. For instance, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 chooses the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 that is not currently executing differential snapshot format conversion processing.

The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 next chooses, from the snapshot format conversion management table 217, a record entry whose snapshot conversion process number 301 matches the identifier of the chosen differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154.

The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 enters the identifier of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the primary volume 141 as the conversion destination volume identifier 302 in the chosen record entry. Then the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 enters the identifier of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source as the conversion source volume identifier 303 in the chosen record entry (545).

The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 now requests the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 to execute differential snapshot format conversion processing (546).

After that, the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 makes the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion destination accessible to the NAS client 101 and the NAS management terminal 102 (547). The differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 then ends this processing.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart for processing of the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 receives a request from the differential snapshot format conversion control subprogram 1153 to execute differential snapshot format conversion processing, and starts this processing.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 first increments the format conversion process counter 216 (561). When the value of the format conversion process counter 216 is 1 or larger, it means that at least one of the full-copy snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1152 and the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 is being executed.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 next processes subsequent processing in the background (562). In other words, the NAS management terminal 102 receives a notification of completion of the differential snapshot format conversion processing immediately after sending a request to execute differential snapshot format conversion processing to the NAS integrated system 104.

Next, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 enters “0”, which is a default value, as the undergoing-conversion block address (I) 304 in the snapshot format conversion management table 217 (563).

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 chooses, from the differential block management table 203, a record entry whose VVOL number 2031 matches the snapshot generation of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source. From the chosen record entry, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 picks up the data state 2033 where the block address of a block that is being processed, “I”, matches the block address 2032 of the differential block management table 203.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 judges whether the picked up data state 2033 is “0” or not. The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 thus judges whether or not data in the block I of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source has been stored in the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the differential volume 142 (564).

In the case where data in the block I of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 has not been stored, it means that data in a block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion destination is the same as data in the block I of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source. Therefore, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 immediately proceeds to Step 566.

On the other hand, in the case where data in the block I of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 has been stored in the differential volume 142, it means that data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion destination differs from data in the block I of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source.

Then, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 extracts a block address that is stored in the picked up data state 2033 in Step 564. From the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the differential volume 142, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 extracts data in a block that has the extracted block address. The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 stores the extracted data in the block I of the full-copy snapshot volume 151 that is the conversion destination (565).

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 next judges whether or not the block I is the last block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source (566).

When the block I is not the last block, it means that there are blocks in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that have not finished being processed. The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 therefore increments I by one (571). Then the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 returns to Step 563 to repeat processing of a block I.

When the block I is the last block, on the other hand, it means that the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 has finished processing for every block in the differential snapshot virtual volume 152.

In this case, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 chooses, from the snapshot format conversion management table 217, a record entry whose snapshot conversion process number 301 matches the identifier of this differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154. From the chosen record entry, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 deletes information corresponding to the conversion destination volume identifier 302, the conversion source volume identifier 303, and the conversion-undergoing block address 304.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 thus deletes information related to itself from the snapshot format conversion management table 217 (567).

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 next deletes the full-copy snapshot volume 151 for the differential volume 142 (568).

Next, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 deletes the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source (569). Specifically, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 chooses, from the differential block management table 203, a record entry whose VVOL number 2031 matches the snapshot generation of the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is to be deleted. Then the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 enters “0”, which means “invalid”, as the use flag 2037 in the chosen record entry.

Instead of immediately deleting the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 that is the conversion source, the differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 may delete the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 when the storage subsystem 120 becomes short of storage area.

The differential snapshot format conversion executing subprogram 1154 then decrements the format conversion process counter 216 (570), and ends this processing.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for processing of the read processing subprogram 1132 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The read processing subprogram 1132 receives a read request from the file system processing program 112. Upon reception of the request, the read processing subprogram 1132 judges whether or not the format conversion process counter 216 shown in FIG. 10 is “1” or larger (581).

In the case where the format conversion process counter 216 is smaller than “1”, it means that snapshot format conversion processing is not currently being executed. The read processing subprogram 1132 therefore performs normal read processing.

Specifically, the read processing subprogram 1132 identifies, based on the received read request, a logical volume out of which requested data is to be read (read subject volume) and a block out of which requested data is to be read (read subject block). The read processing subprogram 1132 next reads the data out of the read subject block in the read subject volume (583). The read processing subprogram 1132 sends the read data to the file system processing program 112.

In the case where the format conversion process counter 216 is “1” or larger, it means that snapshot format conversion processing is currently being executed. The read processing subprogram 1132 therefore requests execution of the volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 (582).

The read processing subprogram 1132 then performs read processing. Specifically, the read processing subprogram 1132 reads data out of a read subject block in a read subject volume (583). The read processing subprogram 1132 sends the read data to the file system processing program 112, and then ends this processing.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart for processing of the volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 according to the embodiment of this invention.

The volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 identifies, from a read request received by the read processing subprogram 1132, a logical volume that has data requested to be read (read subject volume). The volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 next judges whether or not the identifier of the identified read subject volume has been stored as the conversion destination volume identifier 302 in the snapshot format conversion management table 217 (591).

In the case where the identifier of the identified read subject volume has not been stored as the conversion destination volume identifier 302 in the snapshot format conversion management table 217, it means that the read subject volume is not in the middle of snapshot format conversion processing. The volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 therefore does not need to switch the read subject volume, and terminates this processing.

On the other hand, in the case where the identifier of the identified read subject volume has been stored as the conversion destination volume identifier 302 in the snapshot format conversion management table 217, the volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 chooses, from the snapshot format conversion management table 217, a record entry whose conversion destination volume identifier 302 matches the identifier of the identified read subject volume.

From the record entry chosen, the volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 extracts the conversion source volume identifier 303. The volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 sets a logical volume that is indicated by the extracted conversion source volume identifier 303 as a new read subject volume (592), and then ends this processing.

In the manner described above, the volume-to-be-read-during-conversion selecting subprogram 1155 prevents reading of arbitrary data out of a conversion destination (the full-copy snapshot volume 151 or the differential snapshot virtual volume 152) during snapshot format conversion processing.

The full-copy snapshot volume 151 and the differential snapshot virtual volume 152 in this embodiment accept only read access during snapshot format conversion processing. Accordingly, there is no need for a subprogram for write processing during snapshot format conversion processing.

The NAS integrated system 104 of this embodiment is capable of format conversion between full-copy snapshot and differential snapshot. The NAS integrated system 104 is also capable of converting a snapshot format without interrupting normal operation.

This enables the NAS integrated system 104 to convert, when there is a change in requirement for snapshot with time, a snapshot format into one that is suited to new requirements. The NAS integrated system 104 can thus reduce running cost.

While the present invention has been described in detail and pictorially in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such detail but covers various obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of the appended claims. 

1. A system to be coupled to a computer comprising: a storage subsystem including disk drives for storing data and a disk controller for controlling input/output of data to/from the disk drives; and a server subsystem coupled to the storage subsystem, wherein the disk controller is configured with a primary volume for storing data used by the computer, a differential volume for storing differential data between the primary volume and at least one differential snapshot of the primary volume, and a full-copy snapshot volume for storing a full-copy snapshot of the primary volume at a time when the a full-copy snapshot of the primary volume is taken, wherein the storage subsystem stores a differential block bitmap indicating a block in which data stored in the primary volume differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume, wherein the storage subsystem stores differential block information for said at least one differential snapshot, the differential block information indicates storing locations of data of said at least one differential snapshot, wherein the server subsystem receives the differential block information from the storage subsystem, extracts differential data stored in a block identified by the differential block information from the differential volume, and creates a full-copy snapshot corresponding to the differential snapshot by using the data extracted from the differential volume and a copy of the primary volume.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server subsystem identifies the block where the data stored in the primary volume differs from the data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume based on the differential block bitmap, copies data in the block identified by the server subsystem from the full-copy snapshot volume to the differential volume, and records storing location information of the data copied to the differential volume in the differential block information, and wherein the server subsystem provides a differential snapshot corresponding to the full-copy snapshot by using the primary volume, the differential volume, and the differential block information.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server subsystem executes read operations, while receiving the differential block information from the storage subsystem, or extracting differential data stored in the block identified by the differential block information from the differential volume, or creating the full-copy snapshot corresponding to the differential snapshot.
 4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the server subsystem executes read operations, while identifying the block where the data stored in the primary volume differs from the data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume based on the differential block bitmap, or copying data in the block identified by the server subsystem from the full-copy snapshot volume to the differential volume, or recording the storing location information of the data copied to the differential volume in the differential block information, or providing the differential snapshot corresponding to the full-copy snapshot.
 5. A snapshot format conversion method for a system to be coupled to a computer, said system comprising a storage subsystem including disk drives for storing data and a disk controller for controlling input/output of data to/from the disk drives, and a server subsystem coupled to the storage subsystem, said method comprising: configuring the disk controller with a primary volume for storing data used by the computer, a differential volume for storing differential data between the primary volume and at least one differential snapshot of the primary volume, and a full-copy snapshot volume for storing a full-copy snapshot of the primary volume at a time when the a full-copy snapshot of the primary volume is taken; storing in the storage subsystem a differential block bitmap indicating a block in which data stored in the primary volume differs from data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume; storing in the storage subsystem differential block information for said at least one differential snapshot, the differential block information indicates storing locations of data of said at least one differential snapshot; and by the server subsystem, receiving the differential block information from the storage subsystem, extracting differential data stored in a block identified by the differential block information from the differential volume, and creating a full-copy snapshot corresponding to the differential snapshot by using the data extracted from the differential volume and a copy of the primary volume.
 6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: by the server subsystem, identifying the block where the data stored in the primary volume differs from the data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume based on the differential block bitmap, copying data in the block identified by the server subsystem from the full-copy snapshot volume to the differential volume, recording storing location information of the data copied to the differential volume in the differential block information, and providing a differential snapshot corresponding to the full-copy snapshot by using the primary volume, the differential volume, and the differential block information.
 7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: by the server subsystem, executing read operations, while receiving the differential block information from the storage subsystem, or extracting differential data stored in the block identified by the differential block information from the differential volume, or creating the full-copy snapshot corresponding to the differential snapshot.
 8. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: by the server subsystem, executing read operations, while identifying the block where the data stored in the primary volume differs from the data stored in the full-copy snapshot volume based on the differential block bitmap, or copying data in the block identified by the server subsystem from the full-copy snapshot volume to the differential volume, or recording the storing location information of the data copied to the differential volume in the differential block information, or providing the differential snapshot corresponding to the full-copy snapshot. 